New York Annual ConferenceVital Congregations Incubator

Module 1: Covenantal Living

Introductions

A Word about Adult Learning

I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Incubator Modules Module 1: Orientation and

Covenantal Living Module 2: Worship Module 3: Evangelism Module 4: Small Groups (for

adults), Children’s & Youth Ministry Module 5: Mission Module 6: Stewardship Module 7: Effective Lay Leadership Module 8: Effective Pastoral

Leadership

Module FormatLoving

Learning

Leading

Formation Questions1. Since we last met, how have you

experienced the presence of God?

2. Who have you met with in your congregational setting to work on goals?

3. What are you learning about being a spiritual leader?

Module FormatLoving

Learning

Leading

Goals for This Module1. Examine the purpose of the Call to

Action Incubators2. Identify key aspects of our role as

spiritual leader in our congregations/district

3. Reflect on the role of congregational teams in developing and implementing SMART goals for the Call to Action

4. Develop a covenant for this learning community (pastors)

For Reflection1. What expectations do you bring

to this experience?2. What hopes do you bring?3. Which of the goals for this

module are most important for you?

Loving

Biblical Immersion Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4, 5)

CovenantThey shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will make an everlasting covenant with them, never to draw back from doing good to them; and I will put the fear of me in their hearts, so that they may not turn from me. (Jeremiah 32: 38, 40) They shall come and join themselves to the Lord by an everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten. (Jeremiah 50:5b)

Covenant Promise

Pledge

Obligation

Contract

For Reflection1. What are some of the biblical

examples of covenant?

2. How do the biblical examples of covenant and our Wesleyan heritage inform the covenant we will make together?

Learning

Spiritual Leadership Grounded in our baptism Demonstrated through our call Focused on what’s important Involves all of us—our thoughts,

our emotions, our experience, our behavior

Results in authenticity and integrity

Transformed and empowered by the Holy Spirit

For Reflection on “Finding the Means”

1. The presentation defines the means of grace as “those basic practices given to us by God as the ways we live out our relationship with God and those whom God loves.” How could you put this definition into your own words? What are some other ways of saying this?

2. How do you seek to connect with God throughout your day?

3. What helps you connect with God?4. What hinders you from connecting with God?5. How does your relationship with God inform

your leadership?

Leadership and Interaction Styles THINKER DIRECTOR 18 ___

16 ___ 14 ___ 12 ___ 10 ___ 8 ___ 6 ___ 4 ___ 2 ___

-2 ___ -4 ___ -6 ___ -8 ___ -10 ___ -12 ___ -14 ___ -16 ___ -18 ___

-18 -16 -14 -12 -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

PLEASER DREAMER

Leading

Qualities of Effective Teams Build trust Handle conflict appropriately Pay attention to desired

results Work for commitment Build structures for

accountability

Team Foci1.Build a shared vision for

discipleship.2.Create and sustain a

congregational culture.3.Develop practices that help team

members love God and neighbor.4.Learn together.5.Implement plans.6.Evaluate progress.

For Reflection on “The Deep Dive”1. What important insights into working as a team

did you glean from “Deep Dive?”2. In the teams in which you work, how are

members selected?3.  How are “wild ideas” received and what

happens to them (and/or to the persons who offer them)?

4. What behaviors and processes are encouraged or discouraged by the team you lead? By the teams of which you are a member?

5. For what and how are team members rewarded or recognized?

6. How does working with a team connect with your understanding of spiritual leadership?

Building a Team1. Draw circle and identify major

boundaries2. Draw cross hairs and identify the

team’s purpose (or target). Be clear about how the purpose of this team will help the congregation fulfill its mission of making disciples for the transformation of the world)

3. Name “big chunks” of work included in the team’s responsibilities

4. Fill in gifts needed for each “big chunk”5. Develop list of people who have the

needed gifts6. Ask people to serve on the team

Gift/Skill Needed:_____________________Possible Team Members:_______________________________________________________________

Gift/Skill Needed:_____________________Possible Team Members:_______________________________________________________________

Gift/Skill Needed:_____________________Possible Team Members:_______________________________________________________________

Gift/Skill Needed:_____________________Possible Team Members:_______________________________________________________________

Team Name: _________________________________________Team Mission: __________________________________

Guidelines for Covenant• Guides our relationships during

our Incubator• Includes “non-negotiables”

related to participation• Any changes will be agreed

upon by all participants• Review the covenant at each

meeting• Provides accountability

Build the Covenant

Participation--Attendance--Preparation

Prayer--Other spiritual

practices

ConfidentialityAccountability

--when will we check with each other?--what are the consequences?

What do you include to grow as spiritual leaders, accomplish the goal, and lead others?

Evaluation1. What went well?

2. What did you learn?

3. What needs improvement?

ClosingLeft: For all that has been, we give you thanks, Loving God.Right: For all that will be, we give you thanks, Creating God.Left: For focus and courage to pursue your purposes, help us, Ever-Present God.Right: For the work that is before us, bless us and use us, Sustaining God.All: We go in the peace and power of God. Amen.